MotoGP Qatar Day 2: Rossi, “It's time to stay united”

Yamaha MotoGP GP Qatar Day 2 – Valentino Rossi barely managed to get directly into Q2, making him tenth fastest in the combined three free practices of the Qatar Grand Prix, the opening race of the 2017 world championship. The rider from Pesaro had a problem with his shock sensor, which slowed him down. The word is up to him.

“We are still trying to improve corner entry and in FP2 it went quite well, even though I didn't have much grip at the rear I rode the bike better and was constantly in the top five – said Valentino Rossi – Unfortunately in the third free practice session the the track was dirtier and we made some changes that didn't give a positive result. Furthermore, there was a problem with the shock absorber sensor and I could have done better, but the important thing is to have entered the top ten, even if we don't have the necessary speed on entry where we have to work most."

Rossi then spoke about the new Michelin tyres. “This year's tires are softer and I find myself in more difficulty, I feel better with the harder and more stable ones. We are trying to adapt and we have to stick together.”

Photos: Alex Farinelli